Wan Weisheng (Chinese, B. 1932) "Swans Battling in a Pond" Signed lower right. Tempra on Watercolor Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the China 8f Swans stamp issue of November 18, 1983. The Mute Swan is among the most beautiful birds in the world. Dressed in snow-white plumage, the swan swims with its long graceful neck held in an S-curve and its flowing wings arched above its back. The Mute Swan is so named because the only sounds it is capable of making are puppy-like barking notes and soft hisses. This beautiful, silent swan is a loyal bird and selects a life-long mate. The Chinese say that when one of the swans dies, the other swan will remain by its side and cry tears of sorrow. It is no wonder then that this elegant bird is a symbol of love and romance. Indeed, the magnificent beauty and grace of these silent swans have inspired poets, writers and artists for centuries. The Chinese have always held a great respect for the Swan, and consider it to be one of nature's most cherished gifts. Awed by the elegant bird's nobility and grace, the people regard the Swan, or Hu as it is called in China, as the incarnation of loftiness, purity, and beauty. Image Size: 11.25 x 21.25 in. Overall Size: 13.5 x 21.25 in. Unframed. (B08244)